The closing of Azure party last Sunday night has indeed opened a can of worms. People are crying discrimination, others complaining that the scene is too drug focused. Some of the mainstream media have been alluding to threats that this weekend’s Mardi Gras party faces certain closure as well. In amongst all the chatter sits Mardi Gras Chair Marcus Bourget.

“All party promoters face a challenge ensuing people party responsibly and within the law,” he says. “This is particularly true for Mardi Gras which attracts partygoers from all over the world. We have people from over 35 countries attending the party from places with sometimes quite different drug cultures to our own.”

Marcus says that Mardi Gras, because of the location of the parade and party, has always worked closely with the local area command – Surry Hills Police. “Working together with Surry Hills LAC and various other stakeholders, Mardi Gras has developed a reputation for the safety and welfare of its patrons which is second to none.”

Marcus has spoken to Surry Hills Police and assures partygoers that Mardi Gras party will not be raided this weekend. “It is very much ‘business as usual’ with respect to the policing and security measures in place for this year’s Parade and Party. We are not expecting any policing activities over and above those put in place at last year’s Parade and Party.”

Marcus says that Mardi Gras party is an event which does not necessarily depend on drug taking. “Our focus is on providing a variety and level of entertainment that keeps people entertained all night. It’s one reason why we have introduced a dedicated cabaret space this year as well as increasing our emphasis on live music and performances throughout the evening… It is a unique event on the Sydney calendar and we hope that people get their buzz from that.”

“The health of safety of our patrons is paramount… There will be a dedicated Mardi Gras medical unit on the Parade route. At the Party, the Mardi Gras medical team is situated behind the Hordern. In addition, there will be many ACON drug rovers roaming the site. The Mardi Gras Medical team has extensive front line experience in the management of all health related issues which may present themselves during the night. They are world leaders in their field and are there to help.”

Looks like it’s full steam ahead for what is shaping up to be the party of the year. Lets all hope that the events of last weekend at the very least remind us that we shouldn’t be complacent, and that we should never take what we have for granted.

Photos: www.ssonet.com.au and MazzImage.com